Not sure which Tesla to get + questions about ordering...

[acarney]

I'm based in Eastern Washington state (99354 zip code). My nearest Tesla stores are in the Seattle area, 196 miles away from my home address.

A couple questions. I've been talking to a Seattle area store and asking for a quote. It appears even though I told him where I live he's applying Seattle area sales tax (approx. 10.1%) while my local vehicle sales tax is 8.9%. I know it's not a crazy difference, but depending on trim it can be worth about $500 difference. Anyone in Washington state know if I can get the local tax rate applied? It sounds like tax is charged at point of sale, but it seems crazy I'm having to pay Seattle rates when I don't live there...

Second question, do I have to pick my car up from the closest store? (I would have to fly there and then make the 30 or so mile trip to the store, probably not cheap). Or can I order online and have it delivered to my house? Is there an extra charge?

----------------------------------------------------------
Now the question about the trim....

I was quoted this:

Standard Range with Blue/White for $38,600

Standard Range Plus with Blue/White for $43,100

I was told I could add the Autopilot to the Standard Range for $3,000 more.
---------------------------------------------------------------

Basically since Tesla is shipping SR cars as software locked SR+ cars, then the only thing different is the software locked 20 miles of range, and maybe some audio fidelity? (though I keep hearing people say that the SR+ does NOT have immersive audio still...) And of course no autopilot.

If that's the case, adding autopilot to the SR would make it $41,600, or $1,500 (before tax!) cheaper. Would I really only be getting 20 miles of range and slightly better audio (maybe?) for $1500 (more like $1630 more after tax)?

It seems to me that as long as I'm happy with the 220 mile range then I could still get AP and save $1600.

 

[mreynolds767]

As an outsider looking in...
I thought they were no longer offering the Standard Range non plus version (guess like the LR Rwd you can still special order)
Also was under the impression you couldn’t add white interior to the standard so is good to know you can.

Does seem to be just a range and performance limited SR+ (Different 0-60 times)
If you are ok with reduced range
You may be able to charge to 100% if indeed the battery overall is the same but locked from using all of it.

Might be tempted to hold off on the ap for $3k as I could see you getting an in car offer later for a better rate??? Or at least a better rate for AP combined with Self drive capability later, read if you had no AP they were letting you demo it with all features with one time option to buy in at $5500 ; given they would be charging you $3k for ap it would be another $2.5k for FSD which is now a $6k option (not staying this will happen but I might take the chance it could)

They seem to want to discourage selling this model as the costs to make one are exactly the same as the SR+ version

I would not wait on a purchase for the standard model if that is the one you want as it might disappear if you do

 

[Talax74]

My 2 cents:
If you want a white one just wait for it to become the standard color so you’ll save some money
SR+ Vs SR I would go with the SR, since can’t justify the difference in price.
I think Tesla delivers at home if you live far away from the delivery center, but I’m not an expert on Washington laws

 

[mreynolds767]

From a state which has same sales tax in all counties so no clue how that works
If you can pay tax where you would register the car instead of at the dealership
A handful of states Have different county tax rates so someone from OH or one of those others may know

Should be an easy question for someone from a similar state

Believe OP stated Blue Exterior
White was the upgraded interior

White becoming free is likely for solid flat white exterior paint. To me that would be much different than the current white extra cost paint which is a multi coat pearl

My 2 cents:
If you want a white one just wait for it to become the standard color so you’ll save some money
SR+ Vs SR I would go with the SR, since can’t justify the difference in price.
I think Tesla delivers at home if you live far away from the delivery center, but I’m not an expert on Washington laws

 

[ucmndd]

You will pay the tax rate at the address you register the vehicle.

WA State Licensing (DOL) Official Site: Use tax for vehicles and boats

EDIT: this is wrong - this is use tax for sale/transfer of used vehicles or vehicles bought out of state.

Sounds like in WA you pay the sales tax rate of where you buy the car FROM, not where you live.

 

[Talax74]

Believe OP stated Blue Exterior
White was the upgraded interior

Make sense.
So my 2 cents change in: buy the SR now before they take it out completely.

 

[StealthP3D]

I'm based in Eastern Washington state (99354 zip code). My nearest Tesla stores are in the Seattle area, 196 miles away from my home address.

A couple questions. I've been talking to a Seattle area store and asking for a quote. It appears even though I told him where I live he's applying Seattle area sales tax (approx. 10.1%) while my local vehicle sales tax is 8.9%. I know it's not a crazy difference, but depending on trim it can be worth about $500 difference. Anyone in Washington state know if I can get the local tax rate applied? It sounds like tax is charged at point of sale, but it seems crazy I'm having to pay Seattle rates when I don't live there...

Second question, do I have to pick my car up from the closest store? (I would have to fly there and then make the 30 or so mile trip to the store, probably not cheap). Or can I order online and have it delivered to my house? Is there an extra charge?

----------------------------------------------------------
Now the question about the trim....

I was quoted this:

Standard Range with Blue/White for $38,600

Standard Range Plus with Blue/White for $43,100

I was told I could add the Autopilot to the Standard Range for $3,000 more.
---------------------------------------------------------------

Basically since Tesla is shipping SR cars as software locked SR+ cars, then the only thing different is the software locked 20 miles of range, and maybe some audio fidelity? (though I keep hearing people say that the SR+ does NOT have immersive audio still...) And of course no autopilot.

If that's the case, adding autopilot to the SR would make it $41,600, or $1,500 (before tax!) cheaper. Would I really only be getting 20 miles of range and slightly better audio (maybe?) for $1500 (more like $1630 more after tax)?

It seems to me that as long as I'm happy with the 220 mile range then I could still get AP and save $1600.

Good questions. I haven't kept up on the differences between the various trim levels that were added after we bought ours so I will let someone who really knows their stuff chime in on those specific points.

I live in Anacortes and I know I didn't have to pay the Seattle Area Rapid Transit tax which is an added tax on all new cars sold to people living in the greater Seattle Area (because I live outside the defined area, so do you). So make sure they don't accidentally add that on. I did have to pay the Bellevue sales tax rate since that is where the car was sold. I'm not sure how home delivery works although it seems to me it would be like an Internet sale where the delivery address is used to calculate the sales tax (but maybe car sales are different). Can you call up your sales specialist and ask about the details of home delivery? My wife and I took the train so we could pick it up together but if I lived in Eastern Washington I would definitely ask about home delivery (even if you learn there is no tax benefit). When we were picking up my car in Bellevue it was the last day of the third quarter and there were people from Eastern Washington, Idaho and Montana all in the store taking delivery next to us. It was pretty festive! And the local Tesla Owners Club members were there to help out.

On the range question, if it really is software locked, you have a good point. One reason to have a bigger battery (besides more range) is that you can avoid charging/discharging near the endpoints which should theoretically give you better battery life (not that this looks to be much of a concern with the Model 3). So a software limited battery would give you this theoretical benefit even if you charged it all the way up. On the other hand, $1600 really isn't much in the bigger picture and I'm a huge fan of having extra range even if I don't need it for my typical days drive. On trips, it might mean the difference between needing a charge stop and not.

Re: audio. The premium audio really is one of the nicest sounding factory stereo systems I've ever heard but I can't compare it directly to the non-premium audio other than to say I've heard others say it sounds more similar than different. If you're not an audio guy, you probably don't need that. It's not like the non-premium audio will sound cheap or bad.

I hope this helps and I'm pretty sure you will be tickled pink regardless of the details you finally select.

 

[acarney]

You will pay the tax rate at the address you register the vehicle.

WA State Licensing (DOL) Official Site: Use tax for vehicles and boats

I believe that’s from a private party sale though, not a dealership/store sale...

And yes, I meant Blue exterior and white interior.

I guess I figured Tesla would always charge more for AP or AP+FSD after delivery than at point of sale. Is there any history of Tesla offering discounted limited time deals to get owners to just purchase the features? I highly doubt I’ll use AP much now (few highway trips a year and zero local traffic) but it does seem cool and I would hate it to be $5k after the fact and $3k on delivery.

 

[StealthP3D]

My 2 cents:
If you want a white one just wait for it to become the standard color so you’ll save some money

The Pearl White currently costs extra. It's not clear whether the announced change to a white base model will be the same multi-coat Pearl White. It might just be plain white without the depth or metalflake.

 

[ucmndd]

I believe that’s from a private party sale though, not a dealership/store sale...

Yes you’re right. I edited my post.

 

[ucmndd]

The Pearl White currently costs extra. It's not clear whether the announced change to a white base model will be the same multi-coat Pearl White. It might just be plain white without the depth or metalflake.

A new “plain white” color is what Lord Elon said.

Of course, the fact that this hasn’t actually happened yet leads me to believe this was less “calculated plan” and more “demand lever to get people to buy cars last quarter”, but that is the way of the Tesla.

 

[acarney]

Good questions. I haven't kept up on the differences between the various trim levels that were added after we bought ours so I will let someone who really knows their stuff chime in on those specific points.

I live in Anacortes and I know I didn't have to pay the Seattle Area Rapid Transit tax which is an added tax on all new cars sold to people living in the greater Seattle Area (because I live outside the defined area, so do you). So make sure they don't accidentally add that on. I did have to pay the Bellevue sales tax rate since that is where the car was sold. I'm not sure how home delivery works although it seems to me it would be like an Internet sale where the delivery address is used to calculate the sales tax (but maybe car sales are different). Can you call up your sales specialist and ask about the details of home delivery? My wife and I took the train so we could pick it up together but if I lived in Eastern Washington I would definitely ask about home delivery (even if you learn there is no tax benefit). When we were picking up my car in Bellevue it was the last day of the third quarter and there were people from Eastern Washington, Idaho and Montana all in the store taking delivery next to us. It was pretty festive! And the local Tesla Owners Club members were there to help out.

On the range question, if it really is software locked, you have a good point. One reason to have a bigger battery (besides more range) is that you can avoid charging/discharging near the endpoints which should theoretically give you better battery life (not that this looks to be much of a concern with the Model 3). So a software limited battery would give you this theoretical benefit even if you charged it all the way up. On the other hand, $1600 really isn't much in the bigger picture and I'm a huge fan of having extra range even if I don't need it for my typical days drive. On trips, it might mean the difference between needing a charge stop and not.

Re: audio. The premium audio really is one of the nicest sounding factory stereo systems I've ever heard but I can't compare it directly to the non-premium audio other than to say I've heard others say it sounds more similar than different. If you're not an audio guy, you probably don't need that. It's not like the non-premium audio will sound cheap or bad.

I hope this helps and I'm pretty sure you will be tickled pink regardless of the details you finally select.

This is quickly what I’m learning to hate about Tesla. I believe Tesla has online that 160+ miles away and they offer home delivery. Frequently Asked Questions - Ordering a Tesla

I called the Bellevue store to ask about this and the sales rep said he though it was 300+ miles and I would have to pick it up. When I called the University village store a couple weeks ago Ana (I guess a “helper”?) said I would be able to get home delivery, she then handed me off to Henry (who was helping customers at the time) who I’ve spoken with via email and he said I would have to pick it up and the best they could do was locate it at the Bellevue store... so... maybe order online and then act surprised when I’m told I have to pick it up and show them the web site FAQ? Lol

An Uber from SEATAC to any of the Tesla stores is going to be pricey, like $60+ probably, maybe $100+. One guy did say they could probably offer me some Uber credits... but didn’t specify if it would cover the full cost or not...

 

[mreynolds767]

Tax issue aside I think I would rather pickup the car and pay a hundred dollar uber ride than wait extra days/weeks for their home delivery option.
Plus would rather inspect it at a center before accepting it.

 

[Wennfred]

There are ways to knock off up to 6000.00, call sales in Fremont and talk to them, they have a view of all cars that are available and you will get a better deal with them, example would be a model 3 with 500 miles they can take 2k off the price and your Auto Pilot in the SR Model would be free. Keep calling and just hold off for a good deal. You can tell the sales rep what you are wanting to pay if something comes up. There are YouTube videos on this. I would also go with the SR+, the extra 20 miles with partial premium is sweet also heated seats which is probably needed in your area. My friend got his Model 3 delivered to his house but we have 3 delivery centers here so that was the case.

Fred

 

[Wennfred]

Tax issue aside I think I would rather pickup the car and pay a hundred dollar uber ride than wait extra days/weeks for their home delivery option.
Plus would rather inspect it at a center before accepting it.

Or have a friend take you because like what happened to me You get an automated delivery appointment date that the computer generated and the car won’t be there, that’s when you get a call from a sales rep in Fremont. The Standard Range can be special ordered off the menu if you request that model.

Ask the delivery center if they would pay Uber to take you there, part of the deal, other wise you won’t get it. This is something that CarMax is doing now.

Fred

 

[acarney]

There are ways to knock off up to 6000.00, call sales in Fremont and talk to them, they have a view of all cars that are available and you will get a better deal with them, example would be a model 3 with 500 miles they can take 2k off the price and your Auto Pilot in the SR Model would be free. Keep calling and just hold off for a good deal. You can tell the sales rep what you are wanting to pay if something comes up. There are YouTube videos on this. I would also go with the SR+, the extra 20 miles with partial premium is sweet also heated seats which is probably needed in your area. My friend got his Model 3 delivered to his house but we have 3 delivery centers here so that was the case.

Fred

I keep getting told that the Base Standard Range does I’m fact have heated seats...

Anyway, how about you find me one for $6k off (Standard Range Plus or below, blue or red exterior and white interior) and I’ll give you $500

(Car must be sold as new so I can get fed credit and state sales tax credit)

 

[acarney]

Or have a friend take you because like what happened to me You get an automated delivery appointment date that the computer generated and the car won’t be there, that’s when you get a call from a sales rep in Fremont. The Standard Range can be special ordered off the menu if you request that model.

Ask the delivery center if they would pay Uber to take you there, part of the deal, other wise you won’t get it.

Fred

That’ll be rough if they can’t verify and confirm the car is ready. I’m a 3.5 hr drive away and I don’t have any friends that would want to do that trip just for the hell of it.

 

[acarney]

Tax issue aside I think I would rather pickup the car and pay a hundred dollar uber ride than wait extra days/weeks for their home delivery option.
Plus would rather inspect it at a center before accepting it.

I kind of want to inspect it, but I’ll be stuck unless they have another one at the store I can take. I’ll be ~200 miles from home and really annoyed if I have to buy a same day flight home AND then go back to pick it up a couple weeks later.

 

[StealthP3D]

This is quickly what I’m learning to hate about Tesla. I believe Tesla has online that 160+ miles away and they offer home delivery. Frequently Asked Questions - Ordering a Tesla

I called the Bellevue store to ask about this and the sales rep said he though it was 300+ miles and I would have to pick it up. When I called the University village store a couple weeks ago Ana (I guess a “helper”?) said I would be able to get home delivery, she then handed me off to Henry (who was helping customers at the time) who I’ve spoken with via email and he said I would have to pick it up and the best they could do was locate it at the Bellevue store... so... maybe order online and then act surprised when I’m told I have to pick it up and show them the web site FAQ? Lol

I think there was some confusion (either on your part or the Tesla reps part) about which kind of home delivery you were asking about. There are two:

1) Actual home delivery. A Tesla rep drives it there and closes the deal during delivery but you must live within a certain area.

2) 3rd party home delivery by truck. You buy the car online and a trucking company unloads it at your house. With this option, there is no introduction to the car because the trucking company is just the delivery agent but the service is available anywhere.

I can see how these two options might have muddied the waters when asking different reps about "home delivery". Also, Tesla is growing at an incredible pace and the job market is tight so it's not too surprising they don't always have the most capable and experienced individuals in low-level jobs. What I can say is the car is worth any hoops you have to jump through. Heck, I would jump through the Tesla hoops just to avoid the buying experience at a traditional dealership where you will overpay by up to $5,000 unless you grind through their ridiculous negotiating session.

Depending upon your work schedule, etc. I would be tempted to make a mini-vacation out of it and have a nice drive home in your new Tesla! If you have to spend $100 in transportation costs (or even $200), it might be worth it. It's not every year you get to buy a new Tesla, right? Also, the Bellevue Service Center is considerably closer to Richland coming in on I-90 vs. the downtown Seattle location. We took both our deliveries in Bellevue and they were great. We took Amtrak for our first delivery but would have taken the bus if that wasn't an option.

Edit: If you can get into Bellevue or Seattle on some other form of transport, I bet a local Seattle Area Tesla Owners Club member would be willing to pick you up and bring you to one of the delivery centers on the day of your delivery.

 

[Wennfred]

I keep getting told that the Base Standard Range does I’m fact have heated seats...

Anyway, how about you find me one for $6k off (Standard Range Plus or below, blue or red exterior and white interior) and I’ll give you $500

(Car must be sold as new so I can get fed credit and state sales tax credit)

My finders fees are more then $500.00 LoL, I’ve given you the info on how to look. You be surprised how much you can save as they need to move these cars that have been sitting around. Oh and mine is Multi-coat red too. Can’t do white interior thou.

Fred